Rise in Head and Neck Cancer: Lynn Cancer Institute Improves Access to Care

Over the past decade, the incidence of head and neck cancer has increased significantly. Particularly disturbing is the rise in cases among younger adults. It’s a problem that has drawn the attention of experts at the Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute, who have opened the Institute’s Head & Neck Clinic to help improve care for patients.

Leading the program’s expansion is Mica Esquenazi Glaun, M.D., a head and neck surgical oncologist, otolaryngologist and medical director of head and neck surgical oncology at the Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health. Dr. Glaun received her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry and completed otolaryngology residency training at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Additionally, she completed a head and neck surgical oncology fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

What Are Head and Neck Cancers?

More than 71,000 new cases of head and neck cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, according to the American Cancer Society. Cancers of the head and neck include those that begin in the tonsils; the sinuses; inside and behind the nose; in the tongue, gums and the roof of the mouth; in the back of the mouth and throat, including the nasopharynx, oropharynx and hypopharynx; in the larynx (voice box); the lips; and the salivary glands.

While smoking and the use of tobacco products and alcohol have always been considered risk factors for head and neck cancers, in recent years the number of head and neck cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) has risen.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S., says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the body fights off HPV infections, the effect of the virus on certain cells can lead to HPV-related cancers many years later. Recent studies are also showing a link between HPV and an increased risk of heart disease.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for children and young adults ages 9 through 26 and is offered to adults ages 27 through 45. Dr. Glaun suggests speaking to your primary care physician about the benefits of vaccination.

What Are the Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer?

According to Dr. Glaun, symptoms of head and neck cancer can include:

• A sore on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth that does not heal.

• A lump or swelling in the jaw or neck that is often not painful.

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

• Persistent sore throat and/or hoarseness.

• Unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth.

• Frequent headaches.

• Ear pain, sinus pain and sinus infections that don’t improve with antibiotics.

How Are Head and Neck Cancers Treated?

Head and neck cancer is typically diagnosed with comprehensive head and neck examinations, imaging and biopsies. Fortunately, many head and neck cancers are curable, particularly if caught early.

Treatment at Lynn Cancer Institute may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Cutting edge surgical management at Lynn Cancer Institute includes minimally invasive techniques, laser surgery, and transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Immunotherapy — medications to boost a patient’s own immune system to help kill cancer cells — is also an option for some patients.

If you have head and neck cancer, Dr. Glaun says it is important to receive treatment at an experienced and comprehensive center such as Lynn Cancer Institute, where a multidisciplinary approach brings an entire team of experts together to collaborate on your care. Lynn Cancer Institute provides comprehensive pain control, speech and swallow therapy, oncology nutritionists, physical and occupational therapy, and lymphedema specialists. Additionally, the Institute offers support services that address other aspects of your health and wellness.

Mica Esquenazi Glaun, M.D., a head and neck surgical oncologist, otolaryngologist and medical director of head and neck surgical oncology at the Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health

To see a head and neck cancer expert at Lynn Cancer Institute, call 561-955-5966 or click here.